Bramble was due to undergo surgery to repair a damaged knee cartilage today, but Bruce's dismay increased when it emerged that Turner damaged knee ligaments when he collided with a post during Monday night's 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw with Everton and could be sidelined for months.

The manager told the club's official website, www.safc.com: "It's horrible news. Michael whacked his knee against the post on Monday and damaged knee ligaments.

"He will see a specialist today. I believe it could be months rather than weeks, and that's a big blow to us."

Bramble was due to undergo surgery to repair a damaged knee cartilage today, but Bruce's dismay increased when it emerged that Turner damaged knee ligaments when he collided with a post during Monday night's 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw with Everton and could be sidelined for months.

The manager told the club's official website, www.safc.com: "It's horrible news. Michael whacked his knee against the post on Monday and damaged knee ligaments.

"He will see a specialist today. I believe it could be months rather than weeks, and that's a big blow to us."